West Hartford's Annual 'Mitten Run,' What You Need To Know

WEST HARTFORD, CT — One needn't be a budding Olympian to enjoy a holiday-theme road race slated for the heart of West Hartford Sunday.

They just need to have a passion for running and doing good for their community, which participants will be able to do on Sunday, Dec. 4.

The annual Blue Back Mitten Run, organized by the Hartford Marathon Foundation, kicks off at 10 a.m. Sunday with the HMF FitKids Run (a half-mile or 1-mile event) at 10 a.m., then the Mitten Run 5K at 10:30 a.m.

The launching point is the area of West Hartford Town Hall on Main Street, but the course traverses several West Hartford neighborhoods and shops.

"This festive family 5K tradition welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to celebrate the season as a community," wrote the foundation on its website.

"The 3.1-mile road race winds through West Hartford neighborhoods and past festive shop windows. Slight course adjustments within the first mile take participants through more residential roads lined with homes decorated for the holidays."

But this is more than just a road race.

For example, participants in the 5K will get a pair of "warm and cozy, lined winter mittens" to wear while running during the colder weather months.

There will also be photos with Santa Claus and holiday cookies back at Blue Back Square once the race is over.

Event participants and attendees are also asked to bring their benevolent spirit as well.

"In the spirit of holiday season giving, collections will be taken for new winter hats, gloves and mittens to benefit neighbors in need. Donations of cash/checks will also be taken to support the Town That Cares Fund," wrote the foundation.

Traffic impacts

The town, however, is warning motorists in the area to be wary of potential traffic impacts caused by the event.

According to town officials, more than 1,500 participants will be on the roads of West Hartford.

To assist with travel plans on race day, some roads will be temporarily closed or partially closed.

Delays can be expected on the following roads at varying times. They include:

8:15 a.m. – Noon

Isham Road (Memorial Road – New Street)

9 to 10:40 a.m.

Burr Street

10 to 11:30 a.m.

Raymond Road (Memorial Road – Boulevard)

Boulevard (Raymond Road – Castlewood Road

S. Main Street (Boulevard – Memorial Road)

Memorial Road (S. Main Street – Raymond Road)

10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Four Mile Road (Sedgwick Road – Boulevard)

Sedgwick Road (S. Main Street – Castlewood Road)

Castlewood Road

Woodrow Street (Boulevard – Ellsworth Road)

Ellsworth (Woodrow Street – S. Main Street)

Motorists can expect delays along the race route and roads will reopen as runners pass.

When possible, police will direct cross traffic during the race.

To register or learn more about the Blue Back Mitten Run, visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/blue-back-mitten-run.